October might be bringing with it darker nights and colder days, but this week we're launching Bright Up Week so you can carry on cycling all year round.

Find out about our discounts on bike lights, freebies and cycle confidence training to help you brighten up and stay safe this winter.

Make a pledge this month and you'll be able to enjoy the freedom of our city all year round.

Highlights:

Bright Up Week 19-23 October

Winter brings with it longer, darker nights, and research shows that a third of people in the UK cycle without lights. This could mean that a third of cyclists in Exeter could be putting themselves and others at risk on the roads.

To brighten up on your bike this autumn, you'll need a set of lights and bright or reflective clothing With the clocks going back soon, we're offering free cycle confidence training and launching an exciting new video with Andrei Burton. We're also giving out a 10% discount voucher for bike lights and reflective accessories to everyone who makes a pledge to cycle more between 19 October and 1 November.

Make a pledge, or if you've already done so, we'll e-mail you a voucher. You can also request a free reflective rucksack cover by e-mailing cycleexeter@devon.gov.uk

Be seen, be safe

There will be cycle instructors at secondary school gates with advice and freebies during Bright Up Week to help children be safe and easy to see so they can carry on riding in the winter months. Cycle Exeter will also be giving out freebies at skate and bmx parks during half-term, so look out for us!

World class mountain bike trials rider Andrei Burton says: "It's really important to be bright and visible on your bike over the winter months. Check out my cool, new video online to see me 'brighten up' and show you how you can too! I'll also be answering your questions on the Cycle Exeter website, so send them in and I'll post answers on the Ask Andrei page"

Email us your questions and look out for Andrei's video coming soon.

Exeter brightens up

We asked an Exeter resident why the city should 'brighten up' and this is what they had to say:

Jane Ireland, Ashfords Solicitors:
"Now is the ideal time for making sure you're prepared for the upcoming dark nights. My three top tips for cycling in the winter would be:

1. Be prepared - carry waterproofs with you all the time. I scrunch mine up and stick them in my pannier so I can have them whenever I need them. They don't need to be expensive. Wear high-res clothing all the time so that drivers definitely see you - even in the daylight

2. Check your lights. I noticed as the seasons changed this year that my lights needed new batteries because they were dim. If you don't have lights make sure you invest in some - there's no excuses with the Cycle Exeter discount!

3. Enjoy! There are some beautiful, crisp sunny mornings every winter and I'm so glad I don't miss out on them. Cycling can be a great way to relish the day - something we all need in the colder months!"

Make a pledge and get ready for winter with our discounts and freebies.

Be bright

It's against the law to ride without lights in the dark - but almost a third of people don't use them. For a full list of the legal requirements look at the CTC website. CTC is the UK's national cyclists' organisation.

Cycle Training

If you don't feel that confident cycling at night, Cycle Exeter runs confidence training courses for adults as well as children.

For more ideas and inspiration, and to pledge your support for Freedom of Your City, check out the Cycle Exeter website

We'll send you an e-newsletter every other month to tell you what Cycle Exeter is doing - whether we're launching new cycle paths or inspiring you with real life stories of people who love cycling. We're here to help you enjoy the freedom of your city. Unsubscribe